When we visited the follies of Painshill Park, we heard you could meet Father Christmas in the Crystal Grotto.
It’s the latest of their follies to be restored and its quite extraordinary. Stalactites hang from the ceiling and the walls sparkle with crystals. Hundreds of thousands of them were used to re-create it.
The Crystal Grotto seemed a great location for POD to meet Father Christmas for the first time. Or so we thought. POD has continually believed all Father Christmas does is fish. When we asked what 
else he does, her response was “nothing, he just fishes”.
Taking her views into account, we headed for the Crystal Grotto with an open mind. Painshill Park is an elegant 18th century landscape garden – described as a magical wonderland with hidden surprises.
The route to the Crystal Grotto was fabulous and specifically designed for kids. POD was delighted when she saw an elf carrying a barrow load of presents – she loved pretending to be one too. Father Christmas signs were used to show the way and POD enjoyed chatting to them. One even got a cuddle!
The Chinese Bridge looked wonderful decorated with lights and we could see the Wishing Well tent over the other side of the Serpentine Lake. Once we crossed the bridge we could also spotted two reindeer made of lights and the path leading to the Wishing Well tent.
The Crystal Grotto itself looked even more incredible than usual with its fairy lights and Christmas tree. Father Christmas sat on a red leather chair surrounded by presents.
POD was so excited she ran round talking and pointing for a minute hardly able to take it all in. When she 
spotted the man himself, it was coupled with “look Mummy there’s Father Christmas”.
Having composed herself, when he asked what she’d like for Christmas she requested a scooter and a blue balloon. After receiving a present and capturing a photo, we were quickly moved on to make way for the next child.
We left via the usual entrance tunnel which looked amazing with its path all lit up. What an astonishing experience for POD, seeing Father Christmas for the first time in a Crystal Grotto.
The sight of our Christmas tree always evokes memories from December 2010 – POD was born on Christmas Day. It’s impossible to look at the tree without smiling. It looks wonderful in the evening when it’s all lit up but it holds sentimental value too.
The decorations purchased just before her arrival are especially poignant – an array of red baubles, red beads and fir cones tied with red and green ribbon.
Over the past three years new decorations have been added to the tree, each creating their own memory. 
These include Beatrix Potter characters – POD’s favourites being “Mrs Tinkywink” and “Jemma Puddyduck”. There are several hand-made decorations and a dove too.
With POD’s birthday on Christmas Day, it’s hard not to be a little emotional at this time of year. Her first birthday saw her mesmerised by a Christmas tree despite not knowing what was going on around her. The most memorable photograph is one of her poking a decoration with a curious look on her face.
On her second birthday she developed a fondness for pulling the decorations off the tree in-between 
having fun with cardboard boxes!
This year we will no doubt see POD really appreciate her birthday and Christmas. The tree even went up early December so POD can enjoy it for longer.
The fir cones tied with red and green ribbon remain my favourite decoration. Not only are they beautiful, they’re a perfect reminder of what was a truly unforgettable Christmas.
Described as the place where the views always change, the water sparkles and the secret glades wait, the National Trust’s Claremont is steeped in 300 years of history and was once the playground of princesses. POD enjoyed rolling down the turf amphitheatre, the only surviving one of its kind in Europe, when we initially visited in October. A great start to our toddler’s list of 50 things to do before you’re 11¾.
Claremont is a wonderful place to visit, there are so many unexpected features to discover. As well as the turf amphitheature, you’ll find the serpentine lake, nine pin bowling alley, grotto, Camellia Terrace and Belvedere Tower located in acres of open space. On a clear day views from the majestic Belvedere Tower stretch to landmarks such as Windsor Castle, The Shard and Wembley Stadium.
There’s also a Thatched Cottage which is a Victorian haven filled with toys, games and dressing up clothes. It’s currently been transformed into a magical wonderland where children can meet Father Christmas. It’s beautifully decorated and encapsulates the spirit of Christmas perfectly.
A Children’s Trail began at the weekend. In essence Claremont has re-imagined the Twelve Days of Christmas song but with their own twist. The idea behind it is that you find a series of clues on trail boards dotted around the garden which provide clues to the missing answers.
For example on the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me two white [doves] in a cedar tree. A lovely one given we saw lots of them at Claremont and our surname is Dove. It was great fun and we were successful in answering all questions which meant POD won a prize.
While we were at Claremont we also enjoyed the ha-ha which is a hidden ditch that encircles part of the grounds. Daddy and POD ran up and down it on many occasions – mirroring each other’s facial expressions. It’s full of leaves at this time of year as well so that added another level of enjoyment – especially for our toddler who found kicking them highly entertaining!
We’re linking this post up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.
We’re also joining #MagicMoments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.
Hello everyone and welcome to What’s The Story? for w/c 16th December 2013. Hard to believe it’s nine days until Christmas Day. It’s POD’s birthday on 25th December too so lots to celebrate!
What’s The Story? will be open as usual w/c 23rd December and w/c 30th December. This way we can share any festive stories we may have.
If you’re new to What’s The Story? and you’d like to join in, all you have to do is share a photograph and the story behind it. You can say as little or much as you like in your post and your photo can be taken at any time. It might be one you took recently or a real oldie. New posts are always best but you can link up a previously published post if it’s relevant. You can include more than one photograph in your post if you wish too.
What’s The Story? is open every Monday from 6.30am until the following Sunday. The What’s The Story? badge is below so feel free to use it – I’m happy to share your post in return. Do take the time to comment on some of your fellow bloggers posts when you can.
Thanks again for joining in and have a fabulous week #whatsthestory
Working on the premise that seeing is believing, we were set a challenge by Poundland to see what we could purchase with just £20. Christmas is always an expensive time of year so this experiment would no doubt prove an interesting one.
Having looked at the list of stores we discovered our nearest Poundland was conveniently located in Central Guildford. Leading brands such as Coca-Cola, Nestle and Cadbury’s were clearly visible when we arrived at the store. What struck me too was the variety available in Poundland. Everything you need for Christmas – from decorations, tableware and wrapping paper to cards, presents and entertainment.
There was also a large selection of food & drink on offer in addition to cosmetics & toiletries, home & garden, entertainment and stationery & crafts.
As we already had Christmas decorations, wrapping paper and cards, Christmas indulgence was first on the list! I purchased boxes of After Eights, Maltesers and Cadbury’s Mini Fingers to keep us going over the festive period.
In cosmetics and toiletries, I found Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty Hair Clips. POD is always losing hair clips at nursery so they’re a good stocking filler. As was the London Bus Money Box – its only a matter of time before she starts collecting pennies! POD turns 3 on Christmas Day so I also purchased a Happy Birthday banner. We always have one room decorated for her birthday rather than for Christmas so it will be useful.
We’re all sorted with her birthday and Christmas presents although I did purchase an 8-pack of handbag sized Kleenex Tissues. Just in case!
She enjoys colouring so the 24-pack of Colouring Pencils, 2-pack of Wobbly Eye Colouring Books and Children’s Fun Pack with Colouring Book and 2x Exercise Books was ideal.
POD loves to explore her creativity. We spend a lot of time ‘sticking’ so I’m continually topping up our supplies. Poundland had a 15-pack of Creative Foam Sheets, two good sized packs of Assorted Sequins (blue and multi-coloured) as well as a handy box of Glue Spots. Having browsed the stationery available I also found a pack of Paper Clips, Bulldog Clips and Pins for me and a 2014 Desk Diary for Daddy.
The household section provided me with a Clip Lock Storage Container, Mango & Papaya Pot Pourri and a set of 3 Paintbrushes – we have much painting to do!
Having not visited Poundland before, I was amazed at how many great products I purchased for just £20. So thank you very much Poundland, we shall be back!
Disclaimer: We received a Poundland voucher for the purpose of this Christmas challenge. Opinions are our own.
After enjoying the fabulous Autumn hues in October, POD and I headed for the Christmas Display in the Glasshouse at RHS Wisley. Still characteristically beautiful, a few orange Maples remained and we found great displays of Autumnal colour on the ground.
An enormous Christmas tree greeted us when we reached the state-of-the-art Glasshouse. Inside we were treated to air plants with red berries as well as the traditional festive Poinsettia.
Baubles were placed throughout the Glasshouse to give it a Christmas feel. POD enjoyed these but was more excited about testing her new wellies in muddy puddles.
We stumbled upon wonderful species including a hairy purple plant which appeared green when photographed with a flash.
The tropical part of the Glasshouse is my favourite and today was no different – just awash with colour.
One of the most fascinating things we saw were Lady’s Slippers which are members of the Orchid family. As the name suggests, the flower looks like a slipper albeit a teeny tiny one.
We also came across several Carnivorous Pitcher Plants which look like something from the Day of the Triffids series! In 
essence the veiny cup-shaped plant has a deep cavity filled with sweet-smelling liquid that it uses as a prey-trapping mechanism. The larger pitchers can apparently trap small frogs, snakes and birds. No people though!
January sees the return of Butterflies at the Glasshouse, I’m sure we’ll be back at RHS Wisley for that.
We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.
It’s always fun to see the reindeer wreath go up on our front door. He made me smile when we returned home from the hospital with POD in 2010. Everyone loves him.
Daddy was away last weekend so the decorations were up earlier than usual. They look fantastic and POD is definitely embracing the festive spirit. The Christmas characters are often treated to a ride in her buggy – Father Christmas has already lost some beard as a result!
The hand-made advent calendar looks wonderful on the wall. POD has got to grips with opening presents on consecutive days now after accidentally unwrapping the wrong one.
Elf on the Shelf was introduced as a bit of fun for POD. She named him “Elf the Elf” but then settled on “Ben Elf”. Although she enjoys searching for him, the no touching rule doesn’t apply here and he’s often doing the splits!
We took the Eurotunnel to France recently and enjoyed a short break in Bruges. Those decorative displays in Europe never fail to make you feel festive! While we were there we also got to see the incredible Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival which is based on Disney’s new animation Frozen. Just brilliant!
Next Monday sees us return to the crystal grotto at Painshill Park where POD will meet Father Christmas for the first time.
We’re linking this post up with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers. The theme this week is feeling festive.
When we were in Bruges we heard about a Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival – the only one of its kind in Europe. Located in Station Square, directly in front of the grand station building, the festival has become a Winter tradition in Bruges which fascinates people of all ages.
This year saw a World first, a unique interpretation of the new Disney film ‘Frozen’, the big-screen comedy adventure. It follows on from last time which saw the Snow and Ice Sculpture Festival create 90 Disney characters to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris.
Frozen is based on a fearless optimist called Anna who sets off on an epic journey. She teams up with rugged 
mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal Winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the Kingdom.
This icy wonderland was created by 28 exceptionally talented artists from 11 countries. Using 250 tonnes of ice, it took 5 weeks to pull together this remarkable exhibition in -6 degree temperatures.
We only heard about the Disney association when we bought our tickets. We weren’t sure what we’d see prior to that although the locals recommended we visit. Once inside the building we entered the ice palace through what appeared to be a fire door. A breathtaking sight greeted us on the other side
. The attention to detail was astounding, not just the Disney characters but the ice palace itself. It was incredible albeit a tad chilly!
A few people warmed up at a bar with a glass of something ‘on the rocks’. Others enjoyed a ride on an ice slide which finished by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We didn’t stay too long as we didn’t want POD to get cold but wow! What a truly magical experience.
